Hi readers and welcomes to the second segment of the Path to PyeongChang in collaboration with defibshop.co.uk.
I’m now well into my preparation for the Winter Olympics next month in PyeongChang, South Korea. It’s come around so fast! I can’t believe the Sochi games were 4 years ago. Time really does fly when you’re having fun.
I started my European pre-season training late last year around the time Ep. 1 was released. During December, I competed in 3 World Cups all in the space of 10-days. As I predicted, it was crazy, but completely amazing all at the same time. I know that each competition I do will only better prepare me for the Olympics in February.
For the duration of January, I’ve been training on snow with the rest of the British team in Austria. It’s been great to see all of the athletes training together. I’ve been focusing on techniques whilst on the snow, but I’ve still been hitting the gym as I need to ensure that I peak physically just in time for February.
I received all of my official Team GB gear on the 22nd of January. I love it, but sadly I’m not allowed to actually wear the kit until I fly to South Korea on the 7th of February. I can’t wait to show it off, Team GB’s kits are always great.
I’m due to arrive in PyeongChang on the 8th, given the time difference and then the Opening Ceremony takes place on the 9th. I then just have a few days to get over the jet lag before training begins on the Olympic course on the 13th.
Whilst I’ve been training and travelling, I’ve not gone anywhere without my trusty defibrillator. Knowing that I have a device that has the power to save a life is a pretty amazing feeling. You probably already know this by now, but Sudden Cardiac Arrest does not discriminate, and no one is immune.
If more athletes and public places invested in these life-saving devices, more people would survive! Despite having my very own AED with me, that hasn’t stopped me searching for them in the places I’ve visited. defibshop’s #defibworld80 hall of fame still has room for more defibrillators, so be sure to send in your snaps! I have been!
Now, I simply can’t do a diary entry and not talk about my little girl, Léa! Léa has been with me every step of the way, waiting at the bottom of the slopes for me and even getting on the slopes herself… with help, of course.
In my last diary entry, Léa had recently taken her very first ride on her very own snowboard on grass, well she’s now upgraded her skills and has recently taken her very first ride on snow! I couldn’t be prouder of her. Looks like defibshop will have another Brand Ambassador before they know it!
Well, that’s about all the updates I have for you. The snow is calling my name and I simply can’t resist.
The next time you hear from me, I’ll have competed for Team GB as I can officially announce I have been selected as part of the Snowboarding Team that will represent Great Britain in PyeongChang. That’ll be four Olympic Games under my belt.
Keep an eye out for me taking to the slopes and flying the flag for GB! Have a great day!
Zoe.
Blog cover: Zoe Gillings-Brier's Twitter, @zoegillings.